Life insurance leads lagging, survey suggests

Conducted by the life insurance firm Saybrus Partners, results of the survey found that nearly 50 percent of consumers with a financial advisor have never discussed adding a life insurance policy to their plans.

The poll also found that among those who have talked about life insurance with their advisors, 15 percent said the conversation took place more than a decade ago.

"The survey affirmed statistically what we have heard anecdotally for years - financial advisors often do not discuss life insurance during the financial planning process," said Kevin Kimbrough, national sales manager for the life insurer. "They are missing an opportunity to fill a critical gap in some existing financial plans while at the same time differentiating themselves and expanding their practices."

While clients may not express interest in purchasing a life insurance policy, agents may want to at the very least bring the topic up during a meeting, as clients may not be aware of whether or not they're offered and what the advantages are.